Inclusão digital e capacidade funcional de idosos residentes em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil (EpiFloripa 2009-2010)

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship between digital inclusion, represented by the exchange of online messages, and functional capacity of older adults living in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods: Data were from EpiFloripa Idoso, a cross-sectional household-based survey conducted between 2009 and 2010 with older adults (60+ years). Functional capacity was represented by the inability / difficulty to perform basic / instrumental activities of daily living, and formed the outcome variable called functional dependence. The main independent variable was self-reported ability to send and receive online messages using the computer. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated with multivariable Poisson regression models. Results: The sample consisted of 1,656 older adults between 60 and 102 years old with a mean age of 70.39 years (SD = 7.79). Older adults who could send and receive online messages without difficulty demonstrated a significant lower prevalence of moderate / severe functional dependence (PR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.40 -0.94) after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, health and behavioral factors. Conclusions: The exchange of online messages has a strong association with functional independence. The causality of this association cannot be determined. Studies support the hypothesis that the exchange of online messages and functional independence have a bidirectional, additive and synergistic association. Longitudinal studies could elucidate the mechanisms involved in this association, in order to support digital inclusion policies for older adults, and to identify the profile of older adults who would benefit the most from digital inclusion.

Autopercepção positiva de saúde em idosos: estudo populacional no Sul do Brasil

“…This is a new and promising field of study, since digital inclusion of the elderly is a recent phenomenon with various positive effects on health and quality of life. Studies show that elderly Internet users have healthier habits 24,39 and better functional capacity 24,40 and cognitive status 41 , which can foster better self-rated health. Elderly that use new technologies are also motivated to improve their connection to the world, seek communication and interaction, especially with family and friends, pursue possibilities for leisure, and want to feel less excluded from society in the digital age 42 .…”

Internet Use Among Older Adults: Association With Health Needs, Psychological Capital, and Social Capital

“…Some physical and functional health problems can pose barriers to computer use, such as difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), motor skills deficit due to arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and vision impairment [21,22]. However, health problems/needs (eg, number of diagnosed chronic medical conditions, diagnosis of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, and the number of ADL/IADL impairments) may also motivate older adults to take advantage of health information technology because some sicker individuals (eg, those with cancer) are more likely than their healthier peers to seek health information online in conjunction with a doctor visit [23].…”

Independência funcional e estágios de mudança de comportamento para atividade física de idosos participantes em grupos de convivência

“…A funcionalidade do idoso e a sua capacidade de realizar atividades do cotidiano, como se vestir, ir ao banheiro, entre outras, afetam diretamente em sua qualidade de vida, por englobar a interação entre saúde física, mental, integração social, suporte familiar e econômico. Nesse contexto, o conceito de capacidade funcional emerge como a medida mais operacional na saúde do idoso (MEDEIROS et al, 2012). Por outro lado, a incapacidade leva à dependência, podendo comprometer de forma significativa aspectos biopsicossociais do indivíduo, refletindo na família e em todos os âmbitos da sociedade, como a economia e a saúde (DUARTE; ANDRADE; LEBRÃO, 2007;MEDEIROS, 2012;FLAUZINO et al, 2012).…”